Thanks, but no thanks ...signed Councillor Knowles

Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date online: 11 February 2009

A former leader of Oldham Council has turned down an invitation to the opening of a new £2 million pub because of a dispute over its illuminated signs.

Councillor Richard Knowles, ward councillor for Saddleworth South, claims signs outside The Kingfisher pub-restaurant, in Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, breach planning regulations and are a road safety hazard.

And he will not be attending a VIP reception for community and civic dignitaries on Saturday — two days before it officially opens to the public.

He said: “I do not think it appropriate for any councillor to attend the opening in view of the issues surrounding the breaching of planning regulations. I would not attend the opening of any scheme which has any issues in respect of legal requirements.”

Holly Wood, the pub’s 25-year-old assistant manager, claims she e-mailed councillor Knowles an invitation in January.

“I got a call from a lady at Oldham Council to say Councillor Knowles would not be attending.”

Mike Rooke, secretary of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said objections had also been raised to the brightly-lit signs. He said: “Our members are quite upset because the two-for-one signs are still up without planning permission.”

Saddleworth Parish Council chairman, Councillor Pat Lord and her consort husband, Councillor Brian Lord, will be attending Saturday’s event. “It is official parish council business,” she said.

An Oldham Council planning spokesman said: “The signs don’t have express advertising consent. The brewery has submitted an application retrospectively in order to retain them. This will be dealt with in the usual way.”

The pub is the latest addition to the Greenfield marina development and created 40 new jobs for local residents.

Positioned by the Huddersfield Canal, it promises a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and two-for-one deals on main meals all day every day.

John Chadwick, who will run the pub with his wife, Julie, for Marston’s Inns and Taverns, said: “We hope the pub will provide families with a place to meet, socialise and enjoy a meal out together.”